§ 4-19-22. Animal control officers.
(a) Effective January 1, 2019, no municipality shall employ any animal control officer who has not received certification to be an animal control officer from the National Animal Care & Control Association (NACA) or other equivalent organization as determined by the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. All new hires will have a period of twelve (12) months from date of hire to receive certification. All existing personnel employed as animal control officers shall obtain their certification by January 1, 2019.
(b) The training and certification program required by subsection (a) of this section shall incorporate instruction that shall meet NACA guidelines for certification, including, but not limited to, the following criteria:
(1) Laws and regulations affecting animal control, animal welfare, and animal cruelty;
(2) Domestic and wild animal behavior;
(3) Handling and treatment of deceased or stray animals; and
(4) Emergency procedures and conflict resolution skills.
History of Section.P.L. 2017, ch. 118, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 144, § 1.
Structure Rhode Island General Laws
Title 4 - Animals and Animal Husbandry
Section 4-19-2. - Definitions.
Section 4-19-3. - Registration of municipal dog pounds.
Section 4-19-4. - Registration of animal shelters, rescues, and brokers.
Section 4-19-4.1. - Sales by pet shops.
Section 4-19-4.2. - Prohibition on sales in public places.
Section 4-19-5. - Pet shop licenses.
Section 4-19-5.1. - Breeder licenses.
Section 4-19-5.2. - Trainers required to obtain kennel license — Exceptions.
Section 4-19-6. - Public auction and kennel licenses.
Section 4-19-7. - Dealer licenses.
Section 4-19-8. - Denial of certificates of registration or licenses.
Section 4-19-9. - Operation as a pet shop, kennel, breeder or public auction without a license.
Section 4-19-10. - Dealing in animals without a license.
Section 4-19-11. - Mistreatment of animals.
Section 4-19-11.1. - Repealed.
Section 4-19-11.2. - Destruction of animals — Reporting.
Section 4-19-11.3. - Penalty for violations.
Section 4-19-12. - Disposition of animals.
Section 4-19-12.1. - Public health exemptions.
Section 4-19-13. - Rules and regulations.
Section 4-19-14. - Chapter inapplicable.
Section 4-19-15. - Access of inspectors to property.
Section 4-19-17. - Forfeited fees.
Section 4-19-18. - Penalties for violations.
Section 4-19-19. - Adoption of municipal ordinances.
Section 4-19-20. - Severability.
Section 4-19-21. - Use of the terms owner or guardian.
Section 4-19-22. - Animal control officers.